Current Planning Projects

Just like the Grand River never stops flowing, the region won’t stop planning for the future of the river.

The Green Grand Rapids plan in 2012, the 2015 GR Forward Plan, the 2017 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, and many others have expressed a common desire…to create a River for All.

Check out some of these plans.

Green Grand Rapids Master Plan

A key priority in the 2012 Green Grand Rapids Master Plan Amendment is improving river access through the creation of additional public open spaces at the riverfront termini of selected east-west streets and at bridge crossings, as well as improved sidewalks, street tree plantings and bike lanes on selected streets leading to the river. Other strategies in Green Grand Rapids include creating off-street greenways by daylighting the river’s tributary streams (see design concept for Coldbrook Opportunity Site). Extending the Riverwalk from Riverside to Millennium Park is another priority of Green Grand Rapids as described on Page 85, Implementation.

Reclaiming and reinvesting in a clean, accessible, beautiful, and verdant river achieves the City’s Master Plan goals of “a City in Balance with Nature” and “a City that Enriches our Lives.”

GR Forward Plan

Goal 1 of GR Forward says it all, restore the river as the draw, and create a connected and equitable river corridor! With 73 unique action steps to implement that goal, our City must remain steadfast. Over 20% of all comments heard during the GR Forward process related to the Grand River. The River for All project with its designs for the opportunity sites and trail corridor accomplishes many priorities mentioned in GR Forward including:

Integrating art, education, infrastructure and ecology

Reinforcing the grand rapids whitewater initiative

Creating the outdoor adventure city

Establishing Grand Rapids as the hub in a regional trail system with universal access along the river on both sides

Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan

Adopted in 2017, the Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan lists “connected network” as the overarching plan goal, which includes creating a Grand River Waterfront and using the river’s various tributaries and trails to connect neighborhoods to river resources. Improving public health by providing access to recreation and a diverse mix of recreation programming is another priority of the plan. The opportunity sites along the Grand River may provide programming opportunities like fishing, boating, ecological restoration, paddle sports, biking and others that Grand Rapidians could enjoy. Eventually, the parks department will locate to the former water filtration building at the Coldbrook opportunity site, which is adjacent to the River and accessible via bus and the DASH system.

Active adult and family programming: the majority of recreation programming feedback focused on the need for more multigenerational activities, primarily for active adults.

Special events and river activation: a significant portion of the community requested more live music opportunities, family-oriented events and recreational activities along the river.

System identity and awareness: several community members suggested ideas to diversify the park system and enhance department communication, such as specific “theme” parks (exercise park, music park, etc.) and bilingual park maps.

Fitness and outdoor recreation: numerous comments indicated that access to a variety of fitness options for all ages and abilities is a clear priority for Grand Rapidians.

Improved connectivity: many emphasized the importance of having a well-connected park system and network of trails.

Outdoor education: community members at various events mentioned creating more opportunities to connect with nature and educational experiences.

GR Whitewater

Grand Rapids Whitewater and the Restore the Rapids initiative is a led by a 501 c3 non-profit organization, and a public/private partnership with support from the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. and other private entities with a common mission to revitalize the Grand River. Grand Rapid Whitewater recognized an opportunity to restore the rapids, and improve overall river health and recreation opportunities within the region. The Grand Rapids Whitewater project has been working since 2012 to bring various entities to the table to discuss and plan for enhancing opportunities for river access, with a focus on the “wet” portions of the river.

Number of Participants: 1000s, on-going process with permits being submitted to the state and federal regulatory agencies in Spring 2018